Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo - Rwanda
The twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo in Rwanda are essential destinations for any traveler on a Rwandan safari. These lakes are located midway between Musanze and the Ugandan border. Due to their close proximity and the interdependence of their waters, Burera and Ruhondo are referred to as twin lakes. Since Lake Burera is situated at a greater elevation (150 meters) than Lake Ruhondo, it seems that it is draining its waters into the latter. The two lakes are separated by a one-kilometer-long (about 2800-hectare) strip of land formed by the eruption of Mount Sabyinyo.
The twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo in Rwanda are connected by a pipeline that has a 70-degree slope above the Ntaruka hydropower station. Researchers estimate that both lakes, Burera and Ruhondo, are around 180 meters deep. The absence of predators like crocodiles renders the waters safe for human activity.
The twin lakes provide an exceptional day trip diversion for those coming from a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. The twin lakes are situated on the periphery of Volcanoes National Park, at the base of the Sabyinyo, Muhabura, Bisoke, and Gahinga Mountains. The lakes offer idyllic vistas, encircled by steeply terraced hills, with deep blue, crystal-clear waters observable from adjacent elevations.
Visitors to Rwanda’s twin lakes can navigate several islands by boat or during a boat excursion on either lake. Muhabura, Bushongo, Bishosho, Munanira, and Cuza are among the islands available for visitation by tourists. Superb picnic locations are situated above the hills around the lakes. Delight in your picnic with cherished companions while appreciating the stunning vistas of the lakes, avian life, and adjacent hills.
Activities to engage in during your vacation to the Twin Lakes in Rwanda.
Canoeing and Maritime Excursions:
Visitors to the twin lakes may engage in canoeing or partake in a boat tour on the lakes. Visitors can appreciate the exquisite avian fauna and the verdant, terraced hills encircling the lakes by embarking on a boat excursion or paddling in a canoe. A boat excursion on Lake Burera or Lake Ruhondo may range from USD 20 to USD 30 per individual. Visitors may also explore other lake islands, including Bushongo, Munanira, Cuza, and Bishosho. Visitors may also partake in swimming or canoeing lessons conducted by proficient boatmen on the islands.
Community Walks and Village Tours:
Visitors may partake in a guided excursion to one of the adjacent towns or villages located on the islands of the twin lakes. During these community trips, guests have the opportunity to interact with locals, observe performances by regional entertainment groups, hear folktales recounted by community elders, and gain extensive insights into Rwanda’s culture and history.
Visits to agricultural establishments:
Visitors may also explore farms on adjacent islands. Visitors may engage in agricultural activities including excavation and the collection of crops, fruits, tea, and coffee on a farm tour. Guests may partake in a locally prepared luncheon with a host family.
Bird watching:
The twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo in Rwanda are abundant in biodiversity, hosting several bird species in the area. This is an exceptional site for avian observation. Visitors can observe avian species including the cormorant, kingfisher, darters, and hammerkop during a birding excursion.
Twin Lakes in Rwanda: Cormorant Fishing
Visitors to Rwanda’s twin lakes can partake in fishing activities on the lakes. Indigenous fishermen on the islands instruct guests in the use of indigenous fishing techniques. Visitors intending to partake in fishing activities on the lake may utilize their own equipment. Guests visiting the twin lakes can engage in nature excursions, motorcycling, and camping, among other things.
The best time to explore the twin lakes in Rwanda.
Visitors to Rwanda’s twin lakes may visit at any time throughout the year. Visits to Lake Burera or Lake Ruhondo are feasible year-round. Visitors may arrange a vacation to the lakes by engaging a reliable tour operator.
How to get to Twin Lakes in Rwanda.
Travelers wishing to view Rwanda’s twin lakes must utilize road transportation. Volcanoes National Park offers convenient access to the twin lakes. The lakes are around an hour’s drive from Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge. Travelers departing from Kigali City must drive 99 kilometers (about 2.12 hours) to reach Lake Burera. Visitors arriving in Kigali must drive around 11 kilometers to the nearest town, Cyeru, adjacent to Lake Burera. The trip from Cyeru town to Lake Burera requires around 32 minutes.
Visitors to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda may also explore the twin lakes. Visitors can conveniently access either of the twin lakes via the Cyanika Road from the Kisoro region in Uganda. The journey to Lake Burera will require approximately 112 hours, while reaching Lake Ruhondo will take nearly an hour.
In conclusion, the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo in Rwanda are undeniably stunning, and every traveler to Rwanda should prioritize a visit to these lakes. For additional information regarding Rwanda’s national parks, including Akagera National Park, Nyungwe National Park, and Volcanoes National Park, please contact Gorilla Trekking in Africa.